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Saturday, November 01, 2008

A shocker: Packers release KGB

It was apparent that KGB -- Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila -- was not the same player as in years past, especially after his right knee surgery in May. He was primarily relegated to being a third-down specialist. But this season, he was pretty much a non-factor even then. That apparently made the Packers decision to release him easier. The move appears more than coincidental with making roster room for second-year player and last year's first round draft pick, Justin Harrell, to come off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. It will also allow younger players, such as Jeremy Thompson and Mike Montgomery, more opportunity. It's a business, folks. And when your skills are clearly on the decline and some young kids are looking to make their marks, your days are numbered. KGB is no longer a Green Bay Packer.

During his nine years with the Pack, KGB appeared in 124 games, with 74 starts. He is the the Packers' all-time sacks leader with 74½, passing Reggie White (68½) last season.

KGB issued the following statement through the Packers: “My nine years as a Green Bay Packer have been a blessing that is beyond words. I thank God for bringing me to this first-class organization and first-class community. During my time here, I’ve built relationships with a number of people in the Packer family. The front office executives, G.M.s, coaches, past and present players, the enormous support and administrative staff plus the greatest fans in football, all have helped make my time here truly special and I am thankful for that. It has been a very positive experience. I was able to build a family here and grow with a community that I call home. Again, I’ve been truly blessed. I don’t know what my football future holds, but one thing I’ve realized is that football is more than a game - it’s about building relationships and changing lives. One of the commitments I’ve had throughout my career has been to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and that is something that I intend on doing whether on the field or not. God bless the Green Bay Packers!”

Always a class guy, and one of those players you were glad represented the Packers on and off the field. He will be missed. But you can be sure we'll be seeing KGB back in a few years when he joins the Packers Hall of Fame.

Let's congratulate Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila for his career with the Pack. Good luck on whatever comes next, KGB!

Packers activate HarrellAs has been speculated recently, Justin Harrell is finally coming off the PUP list and will be active for tomorrow's game against the Titans. Apparently, he's looked good in practice this week and that confirmed the decision to activate him. How much action he'll see remains to be seen. The Packers now, for about the first time this season, have more than a handful of defensive linemen available to rotate. That should allow the coaches to find the best combination of players at any given time to pressure the Titans' offense. It's been a luxury they haven't had much this season and it is one of the reasons I think the Pack will pull off the upset against Tennessee.